The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-10-23
A Terrible Revenge.


Margaret IIaycraft In the Culver for October.
A Terrible Revenge.
Prom the Leisure Hour
We were bound for Courmayeur, an Al
pine resort at the foot of Mount Blanc,
1000 feet above the sea, and the road from
Aosta repeats on grander scale the seem
cry Of the lower half Of the valley. We
follow the river between rocks and ravines,
vine covered slopes, ruined castles, pict-
uresque brown rooted villages and groves
OF chestnut and walnut. The country
seats of the. Aostan nobility, stern, me-
diGval strongholds, set about with q aers
and ornamental shrubs, and the royal
hunting lodge OF La SaTe throw a note OF
modern luxury amid the wild surround
ings. Soon the valley draws into savage
gorge and the snow peaks cluster thickly
ahead. To the left, through the opening
Of another valley, we have passing sight
OF the Grivola's sharp white cone, but
tressed by purple crags. At the next turn
yawns dark gully delving into the heart
ofthe Cogne mountains, and at its mouth,
on an isolated peak, stands the castle Of
Montmayeur.
This was the nest of turbulent brood,
whose device was "Unguibus ct rostro,"
and the following legend tells how the
head of the house lived up TO his motto,
somewhere about the middle Of the fii-
teenth century. Count Montmnyeur gen.
orally dwelt in Savoy, where he owned
large estates. Part Of these lands were
claimed by a kinsman, and after much
fierce dispute the matter was laid before
the Senate OF Chambery. When notice Of
this suit reached Montmayeur at his castle
OF ClairvauX, few miles from the city, he
instantly rode down TO the Senate house
with bag full OF title deeds at his saddle
bow; and, whether by logic or threats,
pleaded his cause so well that the president
of the tribunal, one Sieur de fcssigny,
staked his life on the counts success
The verdict, nevertheless, was given against
him, and Montmayeur, with Almighty oath,
swore TO be revenged. But time went on,
and there was no sign OF either bcak or
claw being called into play.
Then one morning Fessigny was surprised
by a visit from the defeated count, and still
more surprised by his courteous and smil-
ing dcmcanor. Montmaycur was weary,
IL seemed, OF family strife, and, having al
ready made peace with his victorious kins.
man, had hidden him, with other friends
and relations, TO grand banquet. Might
he not hope TO be also favored with the
presidents company.
De Fessigny hummed and had, but
finally accepted the invitation, and on the
appointed day rode up TO the gatos OF Clair
vaux. lie had passed no one on the road,
the castle looked grim and deserted, there
were no signs Of fcstivity to be seen, and
for moment he felt strongly inclined 10
turn tail aud gallop back down the steep
descent But the chicftain, all smiles and
affability. stood waiting 10 welcome him
under the archway with thanks for his
kind punctuality. The other guests had
not vet appeared; the host became iidgety,
astonished, annoyed, and presently ordered
the rcpast 90 bc served without them. The
presidents suspicious were quito allaycd
by this time The dishes were exquisite,
the wines Of the choicest growths. lie
dmnk deep, NO did the count; their tongues
looscned, Jest followed jest anil the host
was most excellent company. Their mcr-
rimcnt was at its hight, when suddenly
Montmnyeur's manner changed, and lac
said, In a solemn tone:
"sicur dc Fcssingy, are you good
christian"
"whai do you mean?" asked the aston,
ishcd guest.
The inquiry was repeated with increased
emphasis.
The president laughed, and raising hi,
glass answered lightly
"You are very kind, my dear count;
what concern may you have IN the state Of
my soulY' 49,,
Turn round and you win sec" thun'
derd Montmayeur.
DE Fessigny turned round and sprang Il
= - 4. Il ..I l.aI
drawn aside. lie saw funeral bier at th,
end Of the hall, and dozen monks ranged
round IL began chanting liihny for th,
dead. A masked figure, dressed in red
stood, axe IN hand, beside ablOtk.
DE Fcssigny's eyes opened, his glas
dropped, and the blood-rcd wine RAJ
along the uneven floor, staining the stone
by the block.
Through you los. lands and gold
cried the count. "Your head Is forfeit
Quickly make peace with heaven, for yO'
have 10 dicl"
The scared president tried 20 laugh.
'This il a sorry lest, my lord count h
siammered with trembling lips.
"Tis no jest. Make thy peace will
Cod
Then the betrayed man fell upon hi
AAlf AANH " I'AtfAANfl
asking mcny for wife and childs SAX,
But IN vain! Alta sign from their chi,
two Of the icigncd monks dragged the vi,
tim 10 the block, and In mn instant the 60
ecutioncr's work was done.
Early the next morning the coun
mounted his horse and again with
lcathcn hlg at his saddle bow-rode dow
10 the Senate.
"IIcrc isa fresh document connccte
with my case" hc said, laying his bag o
the table ans harily saluied the asombl,
nj once Quilted the hall and rode ava,
The senators sat waiting for their prcsidcn
grumbling somewhat at his delay, whc
presently red drops were seen oozing iro
The leathcrn lag II was opened and the
found the head oi DE Fcsigny.
After the actof violence the count iour
Il oxptdicnt 10 leave Savoy, and ilyiI
ncross the mountains long dotcd justice
his imprcgnablc castle OF Monimaycur.
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